What does Genesis 19:31 mean?
"And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:" - Genesis 19:31

Genesis 19:31 (KJV) reads:
"And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth."
This verse is part of the infamous story of Lot and his daughters. The context of this verse is important to fully understand its meaning and significance. Lot and his family were living in the city of Sodom, which was known for its wickedness and immorality. God decided to destroy the city because of its sinfulness, but He spared Lot and his family. However, as they were fleeing from the city, Lot's wife disobeyed God's command not to look back at the city and turned into a pillar of salt.
After fleeing to the mountains, Lot and his daughters lived in a cave. The daughters, thinking that they were the only survivors on earth, became desperate to continue their family line. So, they got their father drunk and had sexual relations with him, leading to the birth of their sons, Moab and Ben-Ammi, who became the ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites.
This verse reflects the desperation and moral degradation of the daughters of Lot. Their actions were a product of fear, hopelessness, and the belief that they were the only people left on earth. In their minds, they believed that it was their duty to continue their family line, and they were willing to resort to incest in order to do so.
The themes present in this verse include the consequences of sin, the depravity of mankind, and the importance of faith and obedience to God. The sinfulness of the city of Sodom is directly contrasted with the righteousness of Lot, yet even he was not without fault. He allowed himself to indulge in drunkenness and to engage in sexual relations with his own daughters. This story serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the dire consequences of turning away from God.
The context of this verse also includes the broader narrative of the book of Genesis, which serves as the foundation for the rest of the Bible. The story of Lot and his daughters is a cautionary tale that reveals the darkness and brokenness of humanity. It shows that even those who are considered righteous can fall into sin when they are overcome by fear and despair.
The symbolism in this verse is profound and multifaceted. It represents the consequences of moral compromise and the destructive nature of sin. It also serves as a reminder that God's judgment is certain and that there are severe repercussions for disobedience. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of dire circumstances.
In conclusion, Genesis 19:31 is a sobering and cautionary verse that depicts the depths of human depravity and the dire consequences of turning away from God. It reminds us of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of faith and obedience to God. This story serves as a warning to all who would compromise their morals and stray from God's commandments. It is a powerful testament to the need for redemption and the saving grace of God.
Have questions about Genesis 19:31?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Genesis 19:31 Artwork
Genesis 19-31
Genesis 19:31 - "And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:"
"And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:" - Genesis 19:31
Genesis 31:19 - "And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's."
"And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's." - Genesis 31:19
Genesis 21-31
Genesis 18-31
Genesis 31:35
Genesis 24-31
Genesis 19-19
Genesis 31:22 - "And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled."
Genesis 31:45 - "And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar."
Genesis 31:47 - "And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed."
Genesis 31:31 - "And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me."
Genesis 34:31 - "And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?"
Genesis 25:31 - "And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright."
Joshua 19:31 - "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages."
Genesis 31:2 - "And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before."
Proverbs 31:19 - "She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff."
Genesis 37:31 - "And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;"
Genesis 31:4 - "And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,"
Genesis 42:31 - "And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies:"
Genesis 10:31 - "These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations."
Genesis 15:19
Genesis 23-19
Genesis 19-26
Genesis 19-13
Genesis 28-19
Genesis 19-2
Genesis 19-29